David Ward to run against Todt for FIA presidency

PARIS (AP) David Ward will run for president of FIA when the governing body of motorsports holds its election later this year.

Ward said he will challenge current president Jean Todt in the Dec. 2-6 election in Paris, after resigning from his long-standing position as director general of the FIA foundation.

"After much careful thought I have decided to stand as a candidate in the 2013 FIA presidential election," the 56-year-old Briton said in a statement. "The election period begins in September and it will be necessary for me to approach FIA members to secure nominations. In these circumstances I think the correct course of action is to resign."

Ward was formerly an aide to former FIA president Max Mosley and previously worked as an advisor to former Labour party leader John Smith.